WINDSOR, ON, Dec. 3 /CNW/ - Chrysler Canada today reported November salesof 18,445 vehicles, an increase of 7.2 per cent versus November 2006 when17,200 units were sold. This marks the 16th consecutive month of sales growthfor Chrysler Canada, a company record. So far this year Chrysler Canada hassold 213,729 - a significant increase of 5.8 per cent over 2006 when 201,964vehicles were sold - positioning the company as the number two seller of lightvehicles in the country. "Our new product is certainly hitting the sweet spot of the Canadianmarket," said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales - Chrysler Canada."When we talk about fuel-efficient vehicles like Dodge Caliber, Jeep(R)Patriot and Compass, and the size of those segments in Canada, they have beena perfect fit." Chrysler Canada's 11,765 unit increase in incremental sales is thelargest of any OEM.

Year-end Incentives

In November, Chrysler Canada restructured and increased overallincentives programs so that going forward the offers would be equally valuablefor cash, finance or lease customers. On top of that, Chrysler Canada isannouncing some one time only additional incentives for December to helpfinish the year in the number two position. "We were the first volume OEM to respond to market concerns and now weare lowering our prices further for the month of December by as much as $4,750for total discounts totaling up to $11,000." For example, the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 price has been lowered by up to$4,750; the 2008 Dodge Charger and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel price hasbeen lowered by $4,000; the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Diesel has been lowered by$3,750; and the 2008 Chrysler 300 has been lowered by $3,500 from thealready-low November price points. Total discounts are now as much as $11,000 for a 2007 Jeep GrandCherokee, $10,000 for a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500, $9,500 on a 2007 Chrysler 300C,up to $8,000 on a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Diesel, $6,500 on 2008 Dodge Ram 1500,and $6,000 on 2008 Dodge Charger and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel. Also continuing will be the popular "3 for Free" sales program which hasbeen enhanced and expanded in December. It is now eligible on most 2007 and2008 vehicles and gives customers the flexibility to choose the offer thatmeets their needs. As in November, Chrysler will make the first three paymentsup to $500 per month on Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicles purchased or leasedwith Chrysler Financial plus, new for December, these customers will alsoreceive a gas discount card valued at $500. Alternatively, the customer canopt for an immediate $1,500 rebate increased by $250 from November, which theycan use to lower their purchase price/monthly payments, add Mopar Accessories,get an extended service contract or simply help out with Holiday shoppingbills.

Sales Highlights

Chrysler Canada's sales success is not limited to any particular segment.Truck sales are up 6.8 per cent in November, and for the year-to-date, DodgeRam and Dakota sales are up 5.7 and 6.4 per cent respectively. Canadians alsoembraced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, assales rose 28.6% in November, and the Canadian-built Chrysler 300 / 300C, withsales up 26.2% in November. On the other side of the spectrum, small, highlyfuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot sales are up 80.9per cent to 35,492 units. Meanwhile, the diesel version of the Jeep GrandCherokee is making up 60 per cent of total Grand Cherokee sales, which were up34 per cent as Canadians embrace the benefits of new advanced clean dieselengines.